Suspicious? Call 911! Trust your instincts - Your neighbors depend on it!

What does the police department need to know when you call?

1. Your EXACT location. This may not always be the same location as where the activity is occurring. If you would like contact from an officer regarding this activity, you must be within the city limits.

2. Responses can be based on whether this crime happened 5 minutes ago or 5 hours ago.

3. What EXACTLY is the suspicious activity? Any suspect information you can provide will be helpful to the responding officer.

4. Weapon information

5. Police will ask for a specific description of subject in this order (race, age, build, hair, clothing top to bottom, outside to inside). If vehicle (color, year, make, body, accessories, license)

Not satisfied with how 911 has handled your call?

Ask for an event number, operator number and note the time called. This can be communicated to the community policing officer (or the 911 supervisor) who can help review if there has been a violation of policy. A case number is assigned when an officer responds.

Operators should not be making comments about where you live and downplaying calls.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES

Slow moving vehicles, vehicles without lights, and/or the course followed appears aimless or repetitive. This is suspicious in any location, but particularly in areas of schools, parks, and playgrounds.

Vehicles being loaded with valuables are suspicious if parked in front of a closed business or untended residence, even if the vehicle is a legitimate looking commercial unit - possibly even bearing a sign identifying it as a repair vehicle, moving van, etc.

Abandoned Vehicles

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR INVOLVING VEHICLES

Persons attempting forcibly to enter a locked vehicle, especially at night or in a parking lot.

Persons detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle especially at night or in a parking lot.

Apparent business transactions conducted from a vehicle especially if around schools or parks, and if juveniles are involved.

Persons being forced into vehicles, especially if juveniles or females.

Objects thrown from a vehicle, especially while traveling at a high speed.

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR INVOLVING PROPERTY

Property carried by persons on foot, especially questionable if the person is running. May be significant if the property is not wrapped as if just purchased.

Property being removed from or being placed into vehicles or buildings if removed from closed residences whose owners are known to be absent.

Someone offers to sell you something for significantly less than the market value.

Items that accumulate in private garages, storage areas, or on property if it accumulates, especially if the items are in good condition but not in use. Example: A number of televisions sets being stored in a garage for a long period of time.

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR INVOLVING PEOPLE

Someone going door-to-door in a residential area if after a few houses are visited, one or more of the subjects goes into a back or side yard. More suspicious if another remains in the front when this occurs.

Someone waiting in front of a house or business when the owners are absent, or if it is a business and the establishment is closed.

Someone forcing entrance to or tampering with a residence, business, vehicle, etc.

A non-resident going into a back or side yard.

A person running especially if something of value is being carried.

OTHER SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Continuous "Repair" operations at a non-business location.

Open or broken windows at closed businesses or residences whose owners are temporarily absent.

Unusual noises such as gunshots, screaming, abnormally barking dogs, or any noise that is suggestive of foul play.

Unusual smells coming from location.

Continuous traffic that comes and goes to the same location, usually staying for very short periods of time.